Cylinder safety

A U of A worker narrowly averts disaster when transporting a cylinder of nitrogen gas.

17 May 2019

While moving a cylinder of nitrogen, a worker failed to ensure that the cylinder was secured to the cart. A safety chain was available, but the worker felt it was unnecessary.

During transport, the cylinder fell off the cart. The fall damaged the cylinder's regulator, resulting in a small release of nitrogen.

Had the regulator broken completely, a catastrophic incident involving the high-pressure release of toxic gas could have occurred.

Safe practices for chemical transport are essential in order to protect yourself, your colleagues, property, and the environment. Refer to this information sheet for safe handling instructions and complete the Laboratory and Chemical Safety and Transportation of Dangerous Goods courses before transporting chemicals.